GitHub has become an extremely important platform for developers, designers, and entire companies or teams to collaborate on projects of all sizes. At its core, GitHub leverages Git, a version control system, to help manage and track changes in code. Whether you are building a personal project, contributing to an open source project, or collaborating on an enterprise level application, GitHub offers amazing tools to make the development process as seamless as possible.  GitHub simplifies the complex workflows of modern development, making it an essential tool for anyone in tech. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, understanding repositories is the first step to mastering GitHub.

What is a Repository?

A repository (or repo) is a centralized location where all the files, code, and documentation for a project are stored. It acts as a project’s home. A repository on GitHub can be public (accessible to anyone) or private (restricted to select users) based on the liking of the owner. Public repositories are particularly popular in open-source communities, because of how they are enabling developers worldwide to contribute, report issues, and suggest improvements to better the source.

Repositories also keep a detailed history of every change made, making sure the owner can track and revert changes if needed.

Key Components of a Repository

1. Commits: A commit is a snapshot of changes in a repository. Developers use commits to save their progress and include important messages describing the changes made.
2. Branches: Branches are alternate versions of the repository. The main branch (often called main or master) is the central working version, while developers create separate branches to work on features or fixes without disturbing the main codebase.
3. Pull Requests: When work in a branch is ready to be merged back into the main branch, developers create a pull request. It’s an easy way to propose changes, invite feedback, and review the code before it gets integrated.
4. Issues: Issues act as a task tracker within a repository. Developers and contributors can log bugs, suggest features, or discuss implementation details.
5. README Files: A README file is usually the first thing a visitor sees. It provides an overview of the project, instructions for usage, and contribution guidelines.

How GitHub Works

To use GitHub effectively, you typically:

1. Create a Repository: Start a new project or upload an existing one.
2. Clone the Repo: Download the repository to your local machine using Git commands or GitHub Desktop.
3. Make Changes Locally: Modify files, add new features, or fix bugs.
4. Commit and Push: Save your changes locally and push them to GitHub.
5. Collaborate: Use pull requests, issues, and discussions to collaborate with others.

“What is GitHub?” is an official video from the GitHub YouTube channel.  The video is informative, as well as very well put together with amazing graphical effects and editing.  It is a great way to learn about GitHub quickly, while also being mesmerized by great video editing skills.  Check out the video to get a quick grasp and introduction on GitHub

Link to Resource:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBy1zgt0XPc

From the blog CS@Worcester – Elliot Benoit's Blog by Elliot Benoit and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

In CS-348, I covered many developmental practices and strategies, from the use of  development environments to software design practices. In exploring increment.com I came across an article about the repetitive nature of agile development and how it can lead to burnout and fatigue. The article resonated with me because I will soon be entering the workforce and experiencing agile for the first time. The article’s focus on pausing drew me in to read on. The article’s title is Planning For Pause by Romello Goodman.

The article begins by defining how the agile approach emphasizes speed, flexibility, and continuous iteration by building software incrementally with each sprint. This approach works well for early-stage products but the author points out that the method doesn’t always account for late-stage software. The author identifies that teams can fall into the trap of endlessly adding small, insignificant features rather than working on more meaningful or impactful projects. This leads to a sense of busywork, where the development process feels like it’s stuck in an endless loop of minor updates, creating burnout and dissatisfaction. The author then introduces the concept of milestones, which is defined as an idea borrowed from the waterfall method. These milestones bring structure and pauses into the development process. Unlike agile’s continuous sprint cycle, milestones give teams a moment to stop and reflect on their progress. These breaks allow for a more complete and comprehensive review of the work completed and help realign goals for the next phase of development. The author compares milestones with retrospectives, which can be often overlooked or rescheduled in agile processes. One practical example the author shares is from their team at The New York Times, where they use a two-week cooldown period every six weeks to step back, address technical debt (identified in another blog of mine), and plan future work. By incorporating these breaks into the agile cycle, the author advocates for teams to prevent burnout, improve long-term productivity, and build better software with a pause style. 

I found this article very interesting and pertinent to a big change coming in my life. As I prepare to leave university, I will be experiencing an entirely new mode of software development and teamwork in general. By preparing for the positives and negatives I will have a more complete understanding of how agile works and its potential alternatives. I will continue to read more into the actual development practices I will be actively experiencing.

https://increment.com/planning/milestones-and-agile-development/

From the blog CS@Worcester – WSU CS Blog: Ben Gelineau by Ben Gelineau and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Students often focus on code with a singular program as the goal. However, there are many different software architectures to consider based on the scope and specifications of a software. The article linked below gave a detailed comparison of two major architectures types: monolithic and microservices. A monolithic architecture is like the all-in-one software solution. […]

From the blog CS@Worcester – CurrentlyCompiling by currentlycompiling and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is an important tool in software development that helps developers visualize, design, and document the structure of their systems. It allows developers, project managers, and stakeholders to communicate with a medium that is easier to digest and explain. This week, I found a blog that introduces UML diagrams, “What is a UML Diagram?” from Miro. Miro gives an in-depth view of the types, benefits, and when to use UML diagrams.

Early in our course, we discussed and modeled Sequence and Class Diagrams. I chose this resource because of that foundation and because it is a great starting point for beginners. It also explained more diagram types than presented in class.

The blog explains that UML is a standardized modeling language used to visually represent a system’s design in a understandable way. It highlights two main types of diagrams, each with their own subtypes.

1. Structural Diagrams: These visualize the components in the system and their relationships. Some examples include:
   • Class Diagram: The static structure of a system showing classes, attributes, and relationships.
   • Package Diagram: Shows how packages and their dependencies are organized within the system
   • Deployment Diagram: Shows how software and hardware interact
2. Behavioral Diagrams: These visualize the system’s behavior over time. It is the dynamic behavior of the system. Some examples include:
   • Activity Diagram: Visualized the flow of activities within a system.
   • Sequence Diagram: Shows how objects interact over time.
   • Use Case Diagram: Shows the functionality of the system from the user’s perspective.

The post then describes the benefits of UML diagrams, such as simplifying complex ideas/code and improving team collaboration. It finishes by explaining the best practices and when to use UML diagrams.

This post helped me shore up my lacking knowledge of UML diagram types. I was unaware of most diagram types discussed, so it was nice to see what they were and how they were properly used. The site also provided a link to a diagram maker with some of the types which could be useful in the future.

The benefits were also insightful. The main takeaway was that the UML diagrams keep everyone on the same page. From the technically inclined to those lacking knowledge, you can communicate the system’s functions effectively. This seems especially true for those working in teams with different specialties. Having a roadmap for the system’s functions with a standard notation that everyone can understand allows the team to work more efficiently. In the future, I will use UML diagrams to keep everyone involved in our projects on the same page so we can collaborate to make our software more effective.

Resource: https://miro.com/diagramming/what-is-a-uml-diagram/#1.-simplifies-complex-ideas-and-systems

From the blog CS@Worcester – KindlCoding by jkindl and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The blog examines the contradiction in which developers emphasize the importance of writing clean code while frequently overlooking the necessity of documentation, even though documentation plays a vital role in software maintenance and in mitigating technical debt. Research demonstrates that high-quality documentation significantly boosts productivity by reducing the time required for tasks and enhancing the quality of code. A comprehensive meta-analysis of more than 60 scholarly articles revealed that effective documentation has a beneficial effect on multiple facets of software development.

Despite these advantages, developers often prioritize other tasks over documentation, particularly when faced with stringent deadlines and an emphasis on delivering functional code, a common scenario in Agile methodologies. This tendency results in informal and outdated documentation, which can contribute to an increase in technical debt.

I selected this blog due to its relevance to my current studies, as it facilitates the application of concepts to my own coding practices. As a student, I find this article on clean code and documentation particularly valuable because it underscores the frequently neglected but crucial importance of documentation in the realm of software development. Although many educational programs prioritize clean code, this article effectively addresses the connection between quality documentation and its benefits, such as fostering collaboration, minimizing technical debt, and enhancing overall productivity. Furthermore, it provides perspectives on real-world challenges, including stringent deadlines and Agile methodologies, thereby equipping students to navigate the intricacies of professional settings.

A significant insight gained was the impact of documentation on fostering collaboration and minimizing technical debt elements that are closely tied to my group projects and individual coding endeavors. The discussion surrounding AI-enhanced documentation highlighted the transformative potential of automation in optimizing development processes. This revelation has motivated me to investigate tools that can facilitate documentation in both my ongoing and upcoming projects. As I progress, I intend to adopt improved documentation practices within my coding routine, acknowledging that such efforts not only enhance my comprehension but also render my work more approachable for others.

Blog: https://stackoverflow.blog/2024/12/19/developers-hate-documentation-ai-generated-toil-work/

From the blog CS@Worcester – Matchaman10 by tam nguyen and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Understanding Versioning: SemVer vs. CalVer Most software, libraries, games, etc… will come with a version number attached. Often times, it is easy to just gloss over this and not pay much attention, however that number can reveal important information. The article linked below compares 2 types of versioning you may encounter. Semantic Versioning (SemVer) – […]

From the blog CS@Worcester – CurrentlyCompiling by currentlycompiling and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

This semester, we spent plenty of time learning about and discussing Agile and Scrum. We learned about the framework and how it can be implemented in teams, as well as the performance advantages of teams that use it. However, just as not every tool is right for every job, it is just as important to […]

From the blog CS@Worcester – CurrentlyCompiling by currentlycompiling and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Backend development is the backbone of any software application. It handles the functionality behind the scenes, supporting interactions between the users and the application or website. The backend manages databases and server-side logic so modern applications remain efficient, scalable, and reliable. Understanding the principles of backend development is essential for developers to create effective software.

For this week’s post, I found a resource discussing key elements of backend development called “Mastering Backend Development” by Dan for Roadmap.sh. Dan introduces a roadmap for becoming an effective backend developer, and in this post, he discusses some of the steps on this roadmap in detail.

Backend development has been a key component of our class. I chose this resource because it is connected to the course, and the roadmap seems accessible to new developers. Having a path for your research and actionable steps to take can help with any knowledge gaps or roadblocks in understanding backend development.

This resource outlines 19 important steps or knowledge necessary for backend development. I have limited the summary to those I found interesting or instructive.

Caching Strategies: Improving the performance by storing copies of frequently requested data, reducing database load, and speeding up responses.

Authentication and Authorization: Ensures only authorized users access the system by implementing security measures.

Architectural Patterns: Picking the correct pattern, like Monolithic or Microservices, helps build scalable and maintainable systems.

Observability and Monitoring: Provide tools to monitor the system’s health, optimize performance, and diagnose issues.

Continuous Learning: Staying up-to-date with technologies, frameworks, and best practices. This ensures developers can adapt to the rapid evolution of backend development.

Some steps seem self-explanatory, but they could provide a good foundation for someone new to backend development. I could see how new developers could choose to prioritize the software’s functionality while forgetting its efficiency, security, and diagnostics. The post also offered plenty of tools to help with each step, like Redis and Memcached for caching strategies and OAuth and JWT for authentication and authorization.

I felt Dan gave an excellent synopsis of the research needed for new developers. Plenty of steps were not readily apparent to me, like cashing or your system’s self-diagnostics. These steps will likely present themselves in development, but for someone with little experience, it gives a good direction for research. This mindset aligns with the last step, continuous learning, and the importance of staying proactive regarding new challenges and technologies. In the future, I will research these backend concepts and stay up to date so I can produce and maintain better backend software.

Resource: https://dev.to/roadmapsh/mastering-backend-development-mpb

From the blog CS@Worcester – KindlCoding by jkindl and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

While studying for my most recent exam in CS-343, I came across a phrase I was familiar with but did not know the meaning of: technical debt. I had a vague understanding and understood refactoring’s purpose to repay technical debt, but I was not positive. I came across an article on increment.com talking about refactoring the definition of technical debt into technical wealth. This article’s title is Reframing Tech Debt by Leemay Nassery

The article discusses the concept of tech debt, which is the accumulation of negative choices made during product development that can hinder long-term system efficiency. The article proposes reframing it as tech wealth. The article begins by explaining that tech debt arises from quick fixes and shortcuts taken to meet product goals. This debt leads to system inefficiencies that accumulate over time. Tech wealth reframes this idea as an investment in building scalable systems that improve developer productivity, system stability, and overall team happiness. A key example comes in the form of an automated deployment system, which makes all development afterwards faster. Tech debt is often seen as a nuisance or a negative aspect of engineering, but through tech wealth you allocate time to improve the code’s architecture. The article argues that addressing tech debt (or building tech wealth) should be prioritized, as it ultimately saves time and resources in the long term. The article gives some example strategies to build tech wealth:
1. Allocate Time in Planning Cycles: Teams should allocate a portion of their engineering capacity to work on tech wealth alongside feature development. For example, 20% of the time can be dedicated to tech wealth activities such as automating processes or improving system architecture.
2. Quarterly Focus: Teams can also dedicate a few cycles per quarter to focus entirely on tech wealth, using this time to clean up past code and improve the system’s foundation.

The article closes with a conclusion that suggests rethinking tech debt as tech wealth and incorporating this mindset into planning cycles. This shift not only benefits engineers but also leads to improved product outcomes for users, even if the benefits aren’t always immediately visible.

This article was essential in my complete understanding of the importance of technical debt. Through this article I was able to conclude strategies to tackle technical debt, and the power to be found in conquering it. I found the automated deployment example most tangible as I have had struggles developing in environments without that feature. Tackling these issues is an interest of mine and I am excited to read more.

https://increment.com/planning/reframing-tech-debt/

From the blog CS@Worcester – WSU CS Blog: Ben Gelineau by Ben Gelineau and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Git is a strong version control system that allows collaboration, monitors changes, and ensures project integrity. The Atlassian Git course explains key techniques like branching, merging, and maintaining a clean commit history, which are critical for effective development workflows. It describes how teams can work independently on feature development using branches without interfering with the main codebase, and how merging techniques guarantee that changes are seamlessly integrated. In order to show how Git can manage intricate projects with several contributors, advanced techniques like rebasing and resolving merge conflicts are also discussed. These ideas are supported by the official Git documentation, which offers comprehensive instructions on topics including marking releases, stashing changes, and fixing errors. I selected these resources because they offer a comprehensive grasp of Git’s features, which are essential for contemporary software development. They provide useful insights into how Git might improve team operations and avoid common development problems, building on the version control system lessons we covered in class. The focus on crafting relevant commit messages, for instance, relates to our lessons on preserving traceability and clarity in software projects. Their emphasis on bridging the gap between complex workflows like conflict resolution and cherry-picking modifications and beginner-friendly techniques like basic commits and branching is another factor in the selection of these resources. These guidelines have demonstrated to me that Git is about more than just code storage; it’s also about fostering teamwork, accountability, and transparency. 

One idea that struck a deep chord was that of “atomic commits.” Atomic commits highlight how crucial it is to organize changes into logical chunks so that each commit embodies a single, coherent concept. Debugging, tracking project history, and undoing particular changes without causing unexpected consequences are all made simpler by this procedure. Changing my perspective has had a big impact on how I handle version control. For instance, I now make extra effort to commit often and make sure that the context and goal of the modifications are explained in detail in my commit messages. In order to eliminate extraneous noise in the project history, I have also begun utilizing Git’s interactive staging functionality to include only pertinent changes in each commit. I want to apply these Git best practices into every project I work on going forward. For example, I’ll employ branching more methodically, making sure that experiments, bug fixes, and features are separated for simpler testing and evaluation. In order to find areas for improvement and keep the repository clear and understandable, I also plan to make it a practice to routinely review the commit history. In order to maintain uniformity and cooperation, I will also urge team members to adhere to the same procedures. By doing this, I hope to enhance both individual productivity and productive teamwork by producing high-quality code and establishing a clear, stable, and future-proof project history.

From the blog CS@Worcester – A Bostonians Blogs by Abdulhafeedh Sotunbo and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.